Conceptual Definition and 874 Threads

  1. D

    Quantum Mechanical Conceptual Problems

    Some straightforward problems I have encountered in QM; i'll post them gradually, otherwise it 'd be a little long, thanks 1a) Wave/particle Duality: A quantum wave as stated through Dirac and von Neumann is a probability wave expressed by Schrödinger equation and thus here implying a...
  2. N

    A conceptual question on vectors

    Q. Can the magnitude of the difference of two vectors be ever be greater than the sum of the magnitudes of the two? Any insights, or answers shall be appreciated... Thanks
  3. C

    What is the finite difference method and how does it involve a grid?

    What exactly is the finite difference method and difference equations? I know you work backwards, but could you provide some examples? Also how does the finite difference method involve a grid? Thanks
  4. C

    Why would a HCl molecule have a dipole moment?

    If we have a HCl molecule, then we know that the electronegativity of hydrogen is greater than that of chlorine. So in an electric field, the chlorine will be partially negative and the hydrogen will be partially positive: H: \delta + Cl: \delta - . Then why would this have a dipole moment...
  5. D

    ANother Fun conceptual question to figure out

    Explain why a point on the rim of a tire has an acceleration when the tire is on a car that is moving at a constant linear velocity :cry: :smile: :mad: :rolleyes: :approve:
  6. D

    Conceptual Question (Rotational Kinematics)

    A thin rod rotates at a constant angular spped. COnsider the tangential spped of each point on the rod for the case when the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the rod (a) at its center and (b) at one end. Explain for each case whether there are any points on the rod that have the same...
  7. X

    Solving a Projectile Fired from a Ship Problem

    I'm really bad at these because there are multiple answers and I always leave one out. A projectile is fired from a ship at a distant, floating target. Which of the following statements are true? (There can be more than one correct choice.) a. The vertical component of the...
  8. D

    Is Using a Catapult on an Asteroid a Viable Propulsion Method?

    1. ON a distant asteroid, a large catapult is used to "throw" chunks of stone into space. COuld such a device be used as a propulsion system to move the asteroid closer to earth? (need help in terms of momentum,impulse, and all that)
  9. N

    Questions about Sound Waves, Pendulum Clocks & Resonance Frequency

    what causes sound waves to travel? is it the pressure, or does sound create a vacuum created by air? Why is it that if you sing at a really high note you can break a glass? Does it have to do something about resonant frequency of the glass? WHy is a pendulum a good basis for a clock? Is...
  10. U

    Where Does Half of the Work Done by a Battery Go in a Capacitor Circuit?

    We know that energy stored in capacitor= \int \frac{q}{C} dq = \frac{q^2}{2C} = qV/2 But work done by battery = qV Where does the other qV/2 go ? Assume NO resistance in circuit The potential of the battery does not change with time
  11. S

    Equilibrium of a Suspended Mass on a Spring: Understanding Potential Energy

    Say a mass is suspended vertically from a spring and is in equilibrium. What is its potential energy? I think its zero because while it has gravitational potential that would allow it to do work downwards, it also has potential energy from the spring upwards. So do these cancel out? It seems...
  12. B

    Designing a Curved Exit Ramp: Angle Calculation for Speed & Radius

    An engineer wishes to design a curved exit ramp for a toll road in such a way that a car will not have to rely on friction to round the curve without skidding. He does so by banking the road in such a way that the necessary force causing the centripetal acceleration will be supplied by the...
  13. W

    Understanding Resonance in Sound Pipes: The Importance of Nodes vs. Antinodes

    Ok, I don't understand why in a sound resonating pipe, that the in the closed end there needs to be a node and not antinode. Why?
  14. T

    What is the impact of a cylinder on the force needed to tow a car up an incline?

    Okay, I guess this is a conceptual problem that I am having with this one. let me explain the problem, firstly: A sedan rolled off the road and needs to be towed. In order to get the car on the tow bed, it is pulled along an incline of 23.1 dgrees with a chain wrapped around a frictionless...
  15. C

    Understanding Conceptual Questions for Exam - Physics 101

    You do no net work when you walk at a constant speed . Why do you get tired? Is the force of a tennis racket acting on a tennis ball a conservative force? A vase falls to the floor and shatters. Is momentum conserved in the collision?What objects needto be taken into account in describing...
  16. N

    Find Ka, Kb & Verify Kw Relation

    I know that Kw is equilibrium constant for water.. but what is Ka and Kb? I Is Ka equilibrium constant for acid and Kb equilibrium constant for Kb? If so how can u find those?? For example..here is an equation Kw = [OH-][H+] = 1e-14 What is the Ka and the Kb? Someone told me that...
  17. C

    Exploring the Freedom of Model Building in Non-Perturbative String Theory

    Since there are so many possible vacuum states in string theory, with many different possible compactifications and configurations of background D-branes, should (in your opinions) the "final" non-perturbative string theory/M-theory restrict it down to a few or even just one vacuum state or will...
  18. A

    Solving Conceptual Issues of a Square Wire Loop Problem

    I think I might be confused on some conceptual issues on this problem as I can't really come up with a way to get a numerical answer on anything in this problem. Please help me with any guidance or clarification. The Problem: A square (2.3 cm on each side) wire loop lies 9.0 cm away from a...
  19. J

    Conceptual question over pendulum

    Hey guys, just a quick question. If you have a pendulum of length L and a bob of mass M, and if you bring the string to a horizontal position and then give the bob a minimal initial speed enabling the pendulum to make a full turn... the maximum kinetic energy of the pendulum will be when it...
  20. cepheid

    Multivariable Calculus: Conceptual Question on Total Change in a Function

    Please don't laugh at the following: I am new to multivariable calculus, and just thought of this on the fly: In single variable calculus, for a function y = f(x) we have the tangent line approximation: \Delta y \approx \frac{df}{dx} \Delta x The relation becomes exact in the limit...
  21. G

    Conceptual Physics: Understanding Velocity of Rain Drops Hitting Car Window

    Ok, I'm in a calc based physics course. I'm thinking i should have taken conceptual physics first... we did a problem with the velocity of rain drops hitting a car window. The math i could do ok, but i didn't even semi understand the problem. In my mind the rain was going wicked wicked slow...
  22. M

    Do you know quantum conceptual framework?

    Why one past? Quantum theory is very successful in describing bits of matter as clouds (probability distributions). Ironically, it is the proximity of one cloud to another that constrains the shape and size of each cloud. These constraints pile one upon another, ultimately constraining...
  23. B

    Nonconservative Forces (conceptual)

    I'm having problems with solving these nonconservative forces problems. The teach keeps pointing to Wnc=(KE+PE)f - (KE+PE)i As we use this when there is friction present, I'm totally confused on where the frictional or opposing force is involved when solving. I've basically been ignoring the...
  24. enigma

    Conceptual Question in Gibbs Orbit Determination

    Hi all, hopefully someone can help me out here: I'm looking at the Gibbs' method for orbit determination, and I'm losing the conceptual picture in the vector calculations. I have no problems seeing how D and N point in the W direction (PQW coordinate system), but I'll be damned if I can...
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